Radiation in the intensive care units: A review of staff knowledge, practices, and radiation exposure.

Abstract

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a critical care setting for severe illnesses, heavily relies on diagnostic imaging like mobile X-rays and CT scans to support swift clinical decisions for its complex, unstable patients. Evaluating the knowledge and practices of radiation exposure in the ICU is crucial, as it directly influences patient and staff safety, ensuring informed decisions and optimal care in this high-stakes environment. This review article synthesizes studies evaluating the knowledge of ICU staff regarding radiation safety, the radiation exposure of ICU patients, and the impact of scatter radiation on healthcare workers. The findings indicate a pervasive insufficiency in the understanding of radiation safety principles among ICU personnel across various disciplines. Such deficiencies in knowledge can impede adherence to safety standards and elevate risks. Additionally, the review highlights the concerning cumulative radiation effective doses received by ICU patients from frequent diagnostic imaging, which sometimes surpasses recommended limits and consequently heightens the lifetime risk of cancer. While scatter radiation from mobile X-rays and CT scans in the ICU generally remains within occupational limits, longer shifts and proximity to imaging correlate with higher radiation doses for staff. The article emphasizes the pressing need for targeted radiation safety training for all ICU personnel, including comprehensive instruction on protective measures, and safe practices. The review advocates for the implementation of systematic radiation safety education programs in ICUs as pivotal steps toward enhancing staff knowledge, compliance with safety practices, and fostering an overall culture of radiation safety.